Product description

The inspiring story of a pint-size American gymnast with a big smile and an even bigger heart. You've seen her perform gravity-defying gymnastics moves. You've seen her win Olympic medals in Beijing and the coveted mirror ball trophy on" Dancing with the Stars." You've also seen her land on her feet--with her trademark smile--even when things haven't gone her way. Despite achieving more success and celebrity in her first two decades than most people experience in a lifetime, things haven't been easy for Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. Her first gymnastics coach told her family she lacked talent. Her modest upbringing in Iowa made elite competition unlikely. Although she won four medals at the Beijing Olympics, she was denied the big prize she'd dreamed of--the all-around gold medal. She had a terrifying experience with a stalker and would-be kidnapper. And after suffering a potentially career-ending injury, Shawn ultimately had to rethink what was truly important. What did she want most in life? What kind of success was worth pursuing? Would she ever find true faith, lasting hope, and real love? In "Winning Balance," for the first time Shawn reveals her journey so far: her against-the-odds quest to become a gymnastics world champion, her flirtation with Hollywood glamour, her growing faith, and her struggle to find herself. It's the full, behind-the-scenes story of how a young woman who won Olympic gold on the balance beam learned new lessons about balance--as well as love, faith, and what winning really means.

Author information

Shawn Johnson is an Olympic gold and three-time silver medalist in women's gymnastics. She was the 2007 all-around World Champion and the 2007 and 2008 US all-around champion. Shawn won the eighth season of "Dancing with the Stars" as the youngest competitor in the show's history. She has appeared on "Oprah," "Today," "Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show," and other programs. Shawn earned ESPN's ESPY Award for Best US Female Olympian in 2009; she also won the Teen Choice Female Athlete of the Year Award in both 2009 and 2011.

Review quote

"Four-time Olympic gold and silver medalist Shawn Johnson narrates her memoir with charm, vigor, and youthful eloquence. She sincerely portrays her belief that everything happens for a reason and all things happen for the good when you walk by faith. In a soft, mellow voice she characterizes herself as part "nerd, tomboy, and girlie girl." Her tone changes to one of thoughtful conviction when she describes her purpose in writing: to reflect on lessons learned. Specific examples include the disappointment of losing the gold medal in Beijing, the drama of a potentially career-ending ski injury, and the excitement of her surprise flirtation with Hollywood stardom when she won "Dancing with the Stars" in 2009. A section called "Lessons I've Learned" ends each chapter. Johnson's story and narration engage and inspire."
G.D.W. (c) AudioFile Portland, Maine